Part 13: Stop! Or my grandmother will give you a haircut"Raizada, a colossal tragedy has happened," Khushi said, looking up from her iPad even as Arnav seemed completely engrossed in an ongoing football match.
"Mmm hmm," he said as he looked on annoyed at the proceedings on the TV screen.
"Hmpfh. There is another man who has come between us, Raizada. How sad is that," Khushi said glumly.
"Now what, Khushi? Why are you being a drama queen again? Who is this man you talk about" Arnav asked, looking at her baffled.
Khushi looked at the TV. Of course it was half time, so the man had finally decided to give her some attention. They were at Arnav's bachelor-pad, which as one would imagine was aesthetic and classy. There were minimum use of colours around the house, but it still had a pleasant and cheerful ambience. The only hint of any colour were post-its with random squiggles, notes from his work-in-progress novel. Khushi had tried reading it, to try and figure out what the new book was all about. But the man had a handwriting that was completely unreadable. Good thing he had an electronic typewriter to do the actual book writing for him. Yes, he was one of those, who preferred using a typewriter than using a computer-based programme. Sometimes she was convinced he was 100 years old. Maybe he was a vampire or something.
That would explain with teenagers like Sunaina Kapoor were always fangirling over him. How could they resist a hot vampire?
"Khushi, you have my attention, what man are you talking about," Arnav asked, getting down on his knees and picking up her hands and kissing each in turn.
No Khushi, don't get distracted by goo-goo eyes, she thought to herself.
"That man," she said, nodding in the direction of the TV.
"Eh," Arnav asked as the football match had resumed.
"Yes. That man Manchester United is my saut," Khushi said, feeling a whole lot sadder now that she had said it out loud.
"You are so ridiculous sometimes. Correction. All the time. Anyway, next weekend we will do whatever you want," Arnav said as he got up and sat next to her, putting his arm around her.
"Really," she asked a hundred ideas popping in her head.
"Promise," he said and was about to kiss her when the match restarted and his eyes moved back to the TV screen again.
Hmpfh.
"Fine. We will do a Shola aur Shabnam marathon next weekend. It will be fun," she announced and got up.
That got his attention.
"I am scared to ask, Khushi. But what the heck is Shola aur Shabnam," Arnav asked, the disgust apparent on his face.
"It is my favourite desi TV soap about this boy who is all fire and a girl who is like dew drop and.." Khushi began,
"They fall in love, but can't tell each other that they are in love. And finally they muster courage to do so. They sing one of those overused Bollywood songs and immediately after this the girl meets with an accident and loses her memory," Arnav said in that supremely condescending tone that was something of a turn on.
"Oh whatever, you promised," she said.
"And I intend to keep that. By the way where are you heading to," Arnav wanted to know as she picked up her bag.
"Nandu and I are going to watch Chennai Express," she said expecting an eye-roll.
But nothing of that sort happened. Instead she realized that there was a slight inflection in his voice as he asked her to "have a good time". Aww, boy was jealous. But whatever, he mocked Shola aur Shabnam, or SHASH as the fandom called it affectionately.
"Nandu is the best," she said as she finally left.
**
Beep.What was the colossal tragedy you were telling me about?
Oh yeah. Payal has booked Daadi's tickets to London. She arrives next week.
That is great news, isn't it?
Raizada, have you met my daadi? Of course, you have. She is here to plan our wedding. It is going to be crazy.
It has been a crazy year.
Hmmm.
I meant in a good way, Khushi.
Then okay. I am feeling unloved because you chose Man U over me.
And you chose Chennai Express over me. So even?
Yes. Chennai Express is giving me a headache *cries*
Seems like we have another colossal tragedy today.
It is not so bad though. Nandu is enjoying himself and has a stupid fangirl grin on his face.
I see. By the way, since Daadi arrives, do you think she approves me for her grand-daughter? Should I be worried?
I am more worried that she might not approve me for you.
**
Sunaina Kapoor inks a book deal with Ostrich Books.
Upcoming starlet, Sunaina Kapoor has inked a book-deal for an undisclosed amount with Ostrich Books. Kapoor, who turned eighteen this summer, is all set to make her Bollywood debut in Balwant Kaur's Accidentally in Love, opposite Shashank Kapoor. Interestingly the script of the film is based on the soon to be out book by Arnav Raizada, whom Kapoor cites as her literary influence and guru. She said, "Arnav has been so helpful, I feel blessed to have his support. Every girl must have a support like him."
We love Sunaina for proving that Bollywood Babes can have brains too. We wish her the best for her book and her film.Hmpfh! Support it seems! Every girl must have support like him! What does that mean? Arnav Raizada bra hai kya? I need to make this Sha-Sun happen quickly. But how? But before that I need to hide the beer bottles lest Daadi finds them when she arrives.
**
BeepArnav, Balls wants you you to get a haircut before the photoshoot tomorrow.
Lauren, who the heck is Balls?
Oops. Sorry. That was autocorrect. I meant Balwant.
**
"Asya, I hate you for inflicting Balwant Kaur on me," Arnav said. He was in Asya's office and they were going through possible book cover options. So far he hadn't seen one that impressed him, which understood the vision of his book. For some reason, half a dozen of them had a woman with henna on her hands and holding a mango. What kind of sub-text that connoted he did not get.
"What has she done now? You know so many writers would give an arm and a leg to have someone like her take forward their story. And look at you, always complaining," Asya said picking an image of the silhouette of a woman looking on at a sunset. Arnav thumbed down the option. What was up with Asya he wondered. Somehow she had lost her edge. Asya was his friend, but over the last few months he had not been paying much attention to the going-ons in her life. She was also his ex and now Khushi's client, he did not want Khushi to misinterpret anything. Khushi would probably think nothing of ripping of Asya's hair if she went on some kind of jealousy mode. Khushi, he smiled just thinking about her. She had been on a panic-mode the last few days, ever since the news of her grandmother's visit. He himself was feeling edgier than usual, the possibility of all the scrutiny made him uncomfortable.
A knock on the door interrupted his thoughts and he felt an immediate rage on seeing Anuj walk in.
"Sorry to interrupt, Asya. I just finished the training session with the new batch of interns. You want to have a chat with them, before they leave," he asked, as his eyes darted nervously across Arnav.
"Arnav, I will be back in five. I am guessing, none of these covers will do," Asya said as she got up from her seat and headed out.
After Asya left, Anuj hovered around the door and seemed to want to tell Arnav something.
"Arnav, man, I am sorry about... the other evening. It was just so wrong. Anyway, I met Khushi last evening and apologized. I hope we are good," Anuj said, and not waiting for a response, walked out.
So Khushi met Anuj and did not that she should let him know that. Though he respected that every person was independent and should not be defined by their relationships, he still felt a little left out and hurt. He would speak to her about this during the weekend.
Asya returned and picked up the cover options and put them away.
"None of these work, do they," she said rhetorically.
He shook his head in response.
"What if we do a photoshoot with Shashank and Sunaina and put that on the cover saying, soon to be a major motion picture. I am sure both the book and the movie could benefit. I am sure your fangirl will love it. Should I speak with Balwant about this,"Asya asked, in a hopeful tone.
"No," Arnav said without a trace of doubt, "I don't want anything more to do with that woman.'
"So what has she done now," Asya asked, amused.
"She has a disturbing amount of attachment towards my hair and is greatly preoccupied with the idea of me getting a haircut."
"Funny. But why won't you, Arnav. What is with the stubbornness?"
"I think I look just fine with my hair."
"Of course, you do. What does Khushi have to say about it?"
"Her grandmother has instructed her to grow her hair before the wedding. So she sees me as competition. This is something that she somehow enjoys."
"Haha. She is adorable. The two of you are going to have an interesting life. By the way I heard her grandmother is in town tomorrow."
"Yes, she is. Wait. How do you know that? How does everyone know everything around here."
"I heard her telling that to Anuj."
"What? Now she is having friendly conversations with Anuj. Unbelievable."
"Well, I wouldn't call it a conversation. All of this week Anuj had been following her around when she comes to meet our marketing team, trying to apologize. So yesterday she said that her Daadi was arriving in the country this weekend to take him to task. Poor guy has been terrified since."
Arnav smiled. He was already warming up to Daadi.
**
BeepI heard you met Anuj yesterday.
Yes. How did you know?
Anuj told me. Why didn't you tell me?
You are chit chatting with Anuj now? Why would you do that?
I was meeting Asya and Anuj came by and told me that you and he were good now.
Whatever. I hope you punched him on his face.
Why would I do that?
That is what Kabir did for Niharika.
Let me guess, Kabir is Shola and Niharika is Shabnam.
I always suspected you were a closet fanboy.
But Anuj told me that YOU told him that you have forgiven him. So why do you want me to punch him?
I said that to throw him off. Twenty years from now my daughters will avenge the violence to their mom.
Surely you mean our daughters.
That depends. If they continue showing football on TV we will probably never have sex.
Hahaha. Shut up, Khushi. Is the house in order for Daadi's homecoming?
Everything is ready. I just need to learn how to make perfect rotis by the time she arrives. Which is in another 3 hours.
I am good with frozen rotis, Khushi.
I love you too, Raizada.
**
"Why is your hair so short. Are you Lebanese again," Daadi asked as she surveyed Khushi with a critical eye.
"Daadi, you mean lesbian. And please don't be a homophobe. It is offensive, okay," she said. Khushi found her eyes were hurting with the constant eye-rolling since Asha Gupta, her Daadi and drama queen extraordinaire had arrived.
"But you said you were growing your hair," Daadi went on, holding on to the issue at hand in an absolutely determined way.
"Yes, I am. Which is why I cut my hair. Now it will grow quickly. Anyway no need to worry too much. Arnav's hair is much longer than mine now. So at least somebody will have really long hair at our wedding. How does it matter if it the bride or the groom," she said, enjoying the look on her grandmother's face.
" What? But he had such short hair and was so handsome during Payal's wedding," Daadi said, shaking her head in a disapproving manner.
"He still is very handsome, no need to worry."
"Boys don't look good with long hair. Name one boy who looks good with long hair."
"Arnav and I don't believe in these gender stereotypes. Anyway, when you meet him you can tell him that you don't approve of him for your fabulous grand-daughter."
"No, I approve of him. I don't know why he is marrying you. So have the two of you set a date? Decided where you guys will marry? In Lucknow? In Bombay? I hope the two of you don't plan to get married in London. We should make sure that we don't hire Shyam Jha for the catering. Have you guys decided on a theme for the wedding? How many receptions do we have? Will you wear sari or lehenga? Lehenga is better? Red or green? Violet is better. What return gifts should we give? What is the budget? Should we print the invites in ivory white? Or red? Yellow is better. Don't look at me stupidly like that. What is wrong with you? If your hair does not grow properly we will get a wig. Let me make the list."
**
BeepRaizada, let us elope.
I knew it would come down to this.
Is that a yes?
Khushi, I want to marry you. Either full-on with song and dance or secretly gaining the wrath of the extended family. I really don't have a preference.
*turns into puddle of mush*
Puddle of Mush, when do I report to Daadi.
In two hours. My daadi might give you a haircut. Just thought of giving you a heads up.
Eh?
Don't worry Daadi is already your fangirl.
She is.
Of course, she is. You are a Raizada. Now we Gupta sisters can control all the Raizada wealth. It is a coup.
Hmm.
Don't hmm me now. I am not marrying you for the money. But it helps, okay. Especially since Daadi thinks that writing is not a "real job".
Clearly I am going to score poorly on Daadi's assessment scale.
I am rooting for that too, Raizada. I am going to win this one.
**
Dear Khushi,
Hello! I haven't got a chance to speak with you properly since you and Arnav decided to get married. I am so thrilled that you and Arnav found each other. I know I am hopelessly biased, but my brother is really the very best and I think you are lucky to have him in your life. As he is to have you.
Anyway, I write to you about something specific and something that I can share with you now that we are on the verge of becoming sisters. My parents adopted Arnav when he was two-years-old. They adopted him when Arnav's biological parents, who happen to our Maama and Maami passed away in an accident. Of course my parents never made any distinction between me, Aakash and Arnav, but I still think as his future wife this is something you must know. It might help you understand him better, perhaps? Abhi and I had a fight over this the last week. He thinks it is not my place to tell you this, but I like to think that my mother would have wanted you to know. Not that it should make any difference. I think. I hope.
Perhaps Payal might have told you this, but my mom had left a letter to her daughters-in-law. I gave the letter to Payal just before she and Aakash were to get married, I am giving yours right now. I have given it to your Daadi and she will hand it over to you.
So have the two of you decided where the wedding will happen? Please tell me you are picking Bombay.
Can't wait to see you guys soon.
Love,
Anjali
**
Arnav giving Daadi and her cousin tickets to listen to some Mohammad Rafi tribute concert - 130 Pounds.
Arnav getting a haircut and a shave, hence looking dapper scoring a million approval points from a very shallow Daadi - 100 Pounds.
Khushi making the absolutely perfectly shaped rotis - Priceless.
There are some things money can buy, for everything else just set very low expectations.
**
Popular Daily Soap Shola aur Shabnam to bid adieu.
Viewers of the popular daily soap Shola aur Shabnam were in for a shock when Ringo TV announced that they were pulling the plug on this popular show which boasted of a wide national and international audience. While the reasons for this decision still remain very sketchy, our sources tell us that the show was shutdown because of pressure from a few political groups on the strong political overtures in the story, that they felt showed some of their leaders in less than favourable light. The lead actors Ankit Khanna and Priyanka Guha, who play the characters Kabir and Niharika, fondly known as Ka-Ka among its fandom expressed disappointment at the turn of events. However, they have urged the fans of the show to keep calm and read fan fictions.
**
BeepI want to cry.
I am sorry Ka-Ka is dead.
Ka-Ka will never die. Ever.
Sorry. Do you want me to come there and hold your hand.
Don't mock me, Raizada. Anyway, Daadi is here. She will not approve.
Okay then. I will talk to you later. I am meeting Sunaina now. She wanted to pick my brains about something.
Of course, she did. Hmpfh.
*grin* BTW she is a Ka-Ka shipper too. She is heartbroken that SHASH is ending.
Really? Perhaps we can be friends.
Shouldn't we discuss this wedding? Anjali Di is giving me grief.
Yes, we are not eloping.
Song and dance it is then.
**
Khushi arrived at Arnav's apartment on Sunday with a huge picnic basket.
"You have a picnic basket."
"Yes, Captain Obvious."
"But why?"
"So that we can eat."
"Wedding planning is stressful. I need food, okay?"
"Fine, Khushi."
"So what is first on the agenda."
"Email passwords."
"What?"
"Last evening I sent an email to Payal discussing some woman-type things..."
"What do you mean by woman-type things? Wait, don't tell me."
"I won't. So anyway, I sent a mail to Payal and got a reply within 5 minutes... from Aakash Jeeju."
"Umm."
"Yeah. Payal was not around and Aakash Jeeju happened to log into Payal's account and was reading her mails."
"I see. Where are we going with this?"
"All I am saying is, we will not access each others email boxes once we are married. We won't be that couple."
"I agree. If I exchange emails with my ex girlfriend, it is between me and her."
"Okay, rule 2: We will not take on that indulgent, wistful tone and have a smile on our faces like what you have just now when we think about exes."
"Absolutely. In fact, we will just be cool with exes and train our children to punch them twenty years from now."
"Rule 3: We will not be sarcastic and mock the other person all the time. About 50% of the time is acceptable"
"Rule 4: We will not make words like QI and QAT while playing scrabble and other word games."
"Rule 5: If one of us gets to do a movie, we will ensure that our spouse gets to play a part too."
"Haha. I am just a narrator. I have a workshop tomorrow. Somehow not looking forward to it."
"Wait. Does that mean we can't do our SHASH marathon."
"I am afraid so."
"Hmpfh! I think you have manufactured this workshop thing to get out of this."
"Nope. Sunaina and I are part of the workshop tomorrow. We are going to be discussing about conflict in stories."
"You can't hangout with Sunaina looking like that."
"Like what?"
"Like impossibly handsome and chick magnet type."
"Hmm. We were supposed to discuss wedding. Which city? What colours? Etc, etc."
"Yes. It is confusing, I need a notebook. Dammit! I should have bought a notebook."
"I have several. Go to my desk and in the bottom-shelf you will find a few. Pick any."
Khushi got up and headed to Arnav's study. There were even more number of post-its on the walls now than two weeks ago. Clearly he was making book progress. She opened the bottom drawer and found several unused notebooks. Choices, choices. She finally settled on a brown moleskin. She was about to close the drawer when she found a file that said, Khushi. Arnav Raizada kept a file about her? She picked it up and opened it. And finally, she found her bucket list.
**
Part 14: https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/post/91526081 Edited by TabassumR - 12 years ago
Hindi TV Shows
330